Yakowa’s, Azazi’s deaths painful, says Aregbesola

Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has described the deaths of Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa and former National Security Adviser Gen. Andrew Owoye Azazi (rtd) as unexpected, shocking and painful.

Aregbesola, in a statement signed by his Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, said the tragic incident has left a sour taste in the mouth of every Nigerian.

He said the sudden passage of Yakowa, Gen. Azazi and their aides in the ill-fated helicopter crash was a national disaster that would remain etched in the consciousness of the nation.

According to the governor, such a tragedy fills every mind with grief, adding that it calls everyone, particularly leaders, to duty on the need to ensure the safety of Nigerians.

“Governor Yakowa was an astute politician, a selfless leader, a gentleman and a leader worthy of emulation. His death probes imagination, dampens morale and strength. His demise will leave a vacuum in the political and social life of Kaduna State.

“Gen. Azazi was a fine, intelligent officer. A frank and gentle officer who knew his onions and approached his profession with passion. He was a thoroughbred officer.

“During his service to the country, Azazi was not only an asset to the military, where he served as the Chief of Defence Staff before his retirement, he was also an asset to the nation and an intelligent army officer.

“On behalf of myself and the people of Osun, I offer my condolences to the family of Governor Yakowa and the people of Kaduna State; the families of Gen. Aziza and the aides involved in the crash,” Aregbesola said.